Flash Drive

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

January 30, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is largely unchanged from the previous year, but that’s OK because Toyota delivered a fine SUV.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas plus electric, 306-horsepower combined, 263 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 28-mpg combined

Base Price: $48,630

As Tested: $49,939

Performance:

Well-engineered hybrid system

Good fuel economy for a three-row AWD SUV

3,500 pound towing capacity

This little emblem tells you that this is an extra efficient Highlander.

Very good acceleration via hybrid system

Smooth, comfortable highway ride

Standard AWD great for varying weather conditions

Hybrid components have 8-year 100,000-mile warranty

Impressive safety features

Comfort:

Stretch-out front row legroom

Ample headroom

Heated and ventilated front seats with rheostat controls

Interior space and comfort are Highlander highlights. The Platinum trim level included heated and ventilated front seats.

Heated steering wheel

Driver power lumbar and lower thigh support

Large rear doors open extra wide for easy entry/exit

Second row captain’s chairs slide for third row access

Heated captain’s chairs

Spacious second row with ample leg and knee room

Flat floor for second row

Rear HVAC controls

Folding cupholders/tray between captain’s chairs

Interior small items storage is excellent including a wide open ledge along the lower edge of the dashboard.

Utility:

Large cargo capacity

Power tailgate

Big, wide tailgate opening

No lift-over

Flat cargo deck

Great space with third row seats retracted

Third row seats fold flat

Extra storage and tire tools under deck

Two vinyl seatback storage pouches

Pull-up sunshades on rear doors

All Toyota Highlander models have great cargo capacity and a flat deck.

Medium size door bins

Large locking glovebox, but crowded by owner’s manual

Big visors with ample slide adjustment

Oversized console bin, very deep

Wide, open storage ledge along lower dash

WOW Factors:

Very spacious, very comfortable interior

Great panoramic moonroof with sunshade

Handsome styling, one of the better looking SUVs

The Toyota Highlander is one of the more handsome SUVs on the market, especially from the rear 3/4 view.

High luxury content

Neat surround-view parking camera

Whines:

Owner’s manuals hog glovebox

Price tag just shy of 50K

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the top-of-the-line Platinum package is a great blend of luxury, spaciousness, comfort, and fuel economy. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid does everything very well and deserves close attention from anyone seeking a three-row SUV.